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Jordan McArdle
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17 Jun 2026
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West Australian Football Commission Life Member John O’Connell has died at the age of 94.
O’Connell made a significant contribution to the game in this state over many decades and was a much-loved football figure.
Inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2012, O’Connell was a star ruckman/forward for Claremont in the 1950s before joining Geelong in the VFL from 1955-60.
O’Connell was acting captain at the Cats for five games in 1960.
He returned to the Tigers in 1961, finishing his career with 247 games.
O’Connell played 156 games with the Tigers, 81 for the Cats and 10 state games, nine for WA and one for Victoria.
Despite missing premiership success at Claremont and Geelong, O’Connell claimed an elusive flag in 1966 as captain-coach of Maddington.
Off the field, O’Connell was a significant contributor in football administration and the media.
O’Connell was the WAFL General Manager between 1987 and 1992 and spent six years as President of his beloved Claremont, where he was also a long serving Director and a Claremont Life Member.
He also enjoyed time behind the microphone, working for radio stations 6PM, 6KY, 6NR and the ABC, providing WAFL analysis.
O’Connell and his wife Pam produced three boys, Peter, Micheal and David who all played either WAFL or in the VFL.
The couple also had three daughters, Kerry, Philippa and Joanne who also excelled in sport.
WA Football sends its condolences to the O’Connell family.
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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